A few years back, I was booking a last-minute flight from Nashville to Denver for a client meeting and really wanted to sit up front in Business Class so I could get off the plane quickly. I went to the Southwest website and started searching for that option—but I couldn’t find “Business Class” anywhere. After a little digging (and a quick call to customer service), I found out that Southwest doesn’t actually offer traditional Business Class seating. Instead, they have something called Business Select, which is sort of their version of a premium fare.
Curious, I went ahead and booked it for that trip—and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. The seats weren’t bigger or more luxurious (they’re the same as all the others), but the experience was way smoother. I got priority boarding (Group A1–A15), which meant I could pick any seat I wanted—so I grabbed an aisle in the first row. My ticket also came with a free drink, extra Rapid Rewards points, and the flexibility to change or cancel without stress.
For me, Business Select is totally worth it when I’m traveling for work or need flexibility. It’s not “Business Class” in the traditional sense—no fancy meals or lie-flat seats—but it gives you priority treatment where it counts.
Now, whenever I fly Southwest, I weigh the price difference. If it’s just a short hop, I’ll stick with Wanna Get Away, but for business trips or tight schedules, Business Select is my go-to upgrade.
